Tag: James Willstrop

Canary Wharf Squash Classic 2014 ran between 24th and 28th March.

I was lucky enough to get the nod to go and cover Canary Wharf Squash Classic 2014 this year. Not normally a sporting venue and as far as I am aware. This is the only one held at East Wintergardens.

East Wintergardens Canary Wharf a great Venue

I must admit covering squash was a sports photography first for me. I spent most of the week sat behind the glass back wall having supremely fit athletes smash a little white ball at me. It makes a kind of ping sound as well.

Adrian Waller returning to James Willstrop. Canary Wharf Squash Classic 2014. PSA World Tour Head to Head 1st Round.

All week long I was absolutely fine. As long as I was looking though the camera! The very moment I moved the camera away from my eye. I flinched at every stroke!

But enough of my moaning! Just to be able to watch these guys was awesome. their level of fitness was quite unbelievable.

Here are a selection from the rounds and the Quarter finals:

I only covered one half of the rounds then the other sides Quarter Finals and then the final. For me the decision was easy as the market is very small and niche so flooding the market with a load of similar images in my opinion was complete over kill.

The actual shooting was very strange. The only sport shot as wide as possible! as they are so damn close! I think I shot less than 50 frames on my 70-200 all week!

The final was an all English affair against PSA World number 1 Nick Matthew and James Willstrop. PSA World ranked number 5.

The final was straight sets, but didn’t reflect the game. Yes Nick was playing the squash of his life. However, James also had moments of what can only be described as brilliance notably this behind the back return. But the very fact he had to play it signaled the control that Nick had over the game.

James Willstrop (ENG) PSA ranked 5th in the world. Makes a behind the back return. Canary Wharf Squash Classic 2014.